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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket...

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket in Kerala. During her tenure, which ended recently, five players from the state went on to represent India, while three now feature in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Niketha’s journey began in 1995 on modest grounds and rough pitches in the blazing sun of her native Thrissur. At the time, girls aspiring to play cricket often drew curious stares or disapproving glances. This was despite Kerala producing some of India’s finest female athletes, including P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, Anju Bobby George, K.M. Beenamol and Tintu Luka. “Those were the days when women’s cricket did not attract packed stadiums, prime-time television coverage, lucrative contracts or celebrity status. Thankfully, the BCCI has taken progressive steps, including equal pay for the senior women’s team and launching the WPL. These have brought greater visibility, professional avenues and financial security for women cricketers,” Niketha said during a chat with  The Perfect Voice  in Pune. With better infrastructure, stronger domestic competitions and greater junior-level exposure, she believes the future of women’s cricket in India is bright and encourages more girls to pursue the sport seriously. Humble Beginnings Niketha began playing informal matches in neighbourhood kalisthalams (playgrounds) and school competitions before realising cricket was her true calling. Coaches who noticed her composure encouraged her to pursue the game seriously. More than flamboyance, she brought reliability and quiet determination to the turf — qualities every captain values when a match hangs in the balance. These traits helped her rise through the ranks and become a key figure in Kerala’s women’s cricket structure. “She was like a gentle messiah for the players. During demanding moments, they could rely on her – whether to stabilise an innings or lift team spirit,” recalled a former colleague. Guiding Youngsters Her involvement came when women’s cricket in many states struggled even for basic facilities. Matches were rarely covered by the media, and limited travel or training arrangements often tested players’ patience. “As a mother of two daughters—Namradha, 18, and Nivedya, 14—I could understand the emotions of the young girls in the teams. Guiding players through difficult phases and helping them overcome failures gave me the greatest satisfaction,” she said. Niketha — an English Literature graduate with a master’s in Tourism Management — believes success in sport demands not only skill but also sacrifice. Strong parental support and encouragement from her husband, Vinoth Kumar, an engineer, helped her overcome many challenges. Never one to seek the spotlight, she let her performances speak for themselves, earning respect on the national circuit. Quiet Legacy Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. Young girls are more ambitious, parents more supportive, and cricket is seen as a viable career with opportunities in coaching, umpiring, team management, sports analysis and allied fields. Players like Niketha have quietly strengthened the sport. Their journeys show that some victories are not won under stadium floodlights, but by determined women who simply refused to stop playing.

One Man’s Vision, One Village’s Transformation

Chandrakant Dalvi didn’t leave Nidhal behind—he returned with a vision and turned a drought-prone village into a model of modern rural development.


Imagine standing in a drought-prone field, the ground cracked and dry under the harsh sun. Women pass by, balancing pots of water on their heads. Roads are poor, the local school is crumbling, and mud houses stretch along a barren landscape with barely a patch of green. You wouldn’t want to stay there, nor did Chandrakant Dalvi.


But this remarkable man didn’t turn his back on the harsh reality of his birthplace—Nidhal village in Khatav Taluka, Satara, Maharashtra. A boy who studied in the village school went on to pursue higher education and returned as an IAS officer. His journey and achievements are well-documented online, so I won’t repeat that. Instead, I hope to capture him in words that go beyond his career and title.


A man so deeply rooted in his land that, for over four decades, he has worked for the development of a place most wouldn’t even wish to imagine standing in. And this seed of change wasn’t sown after he earned a prestigious post. It began during his MSc (Agriculture) in 1980–81, when a young man with a spark in his eye started researching Nidhal. The rest, as they say, is history.


Often, those who leave their hometowns rarely return. But Dalvi is a clear exception; he left to come back, driven by a spirit of transformation. I’ve never met him, and perhaps never will. But I met him through the book Nidhal: Gramvikasacha Dalvi Pattern by Sunil Chavan.


I’ve had the privilege of knowing the author, Chavan, since childhood. Straight-talking yet compassionate, and deeply rooted in agricultural and rural life—who better to bring this book to life?


An actor by profession and a philanthropist by passion, Nana Patekar has worked tirelessly for sustainable water solutions through the NAAM Foundation. In the book’s foreword, he recalls being given a write-up on Nidhal but chose to visit first, reflecting his genuine commitment. He also believes the story deserves a place in the curriculum for its power to inspire rural development across India.


More than a book, this thoughtfully crafted volume serves as a handbook for anyone interested in rural development—those who’ve left their villages, social workers, gram panchayat members, or villagers aiming to uplift their communities.


As for that ‘new height’—remember the drought-prone land we imagined? It’s now a transformed village with modern infrastructure: water supply schemes, connecting roads, healthcare services, multi-purpose gardens, and more.


Dalvi’s MSc research laid the foundation for the initiative. He found that around 750 people had migrated to cities like Mumbai and Pune. In 1983, under his leadership, an association was formed, and all 750 were invited to celebrate Diwali in Nidhal—over 400 attended.


At this gathering, it was decided that migrants would contribute Rs 101 annually, and each village household Rs 51, until the high school was built. This continued for nearly 10 years, resulting in a beautiful school.


Dalvi has been devoted to holistic rural development. In his retirement year, 2018, he founded the SATV Foundation (Strategic Alliance for Transforming Villages). Inspired by the Nidhal model, SATV now works in 15 villages. Nana Patekar has said NAAM and SATV will soon collaborate for greater impact.


As mentioned, Dalvi is an exception. A driven young man who earned a prestigious government post, he worked tirelessly for village development from day one, through retirement, and beyond, collaborating with villagers, professionals, and businesspeople. His dedication is truly rare and inspiring.


Mumbaikars may know the Mahalaxmi Saras Exhibition, the vibrant event showcasing exquisite handicrafts, antiques, and authentic regional food. Among many stalls, 65 women from Nidhal stand out, winning awards. Next time you visit Saras, be sure to find Nidhal’s stall.


This remarkable village has earned prestigious titles and government honours, including the SAARC Village Award, ECO Village recognition, the National Water Award, and the Nirmal Gram Puraskar. IIM Kolkata students have researched its transformation, and a student group from IIT Bombay held a camp in Nidhal to study its progress.


This remarkable journey from a neglected village to a modern one wasn’t overnight. Over 41 years, Mr. Dalvi and his supporters faced hardships and setbacks with determination and resilience.


Now their success is what I truly call a ‘new height’!


At this point, I should probably stop myself from giving away too many spoilers.


After reading the book and researching Nidhal and Dalvi, I believe no development is possible without consistent, united effort and a visionary leader like him to guide the way.


And I can’t thank Chavan enough for capturing and presenting this entire upward journey so beautifully.


On this note, I’d like to say, “Mehnat ka phal hamesha Nidhal hota hai!”


(The writer is a law student based in Mumbai.)

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